University Theatre closes season with passion and poetry in ‘The Sins of Sor Juana’
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 2 – 3 and May 6 – 10 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the John W. Wright Theatre.
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Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 2 – 3 and May 6 – 10 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the John W. Wright Theatre.
Read MorePerformances are at 7:30 p.m. March 28 – 29 and April 1 – 5 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre on campus.
Read MoreThe production will tour Valley and feature free public performances during Vintage Days on April 12 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre.
Read MoreThe Contemporary Dance Ensemble will present six unique repertory dance works that explore themes of social activism, nonsensical rules and regulations, abstract visions infused with deep human emotions, family bonds, belonging and a nostalgic look at the 1980s.
Read MoreThis course teaches students how to leverage theatre in curriculum development and allows them to create greater access to theatre in their community through its service-learning component.
Read More“Red Velvet” tells the compelling true story of Ira Aldridge, an African-American actor who broke barriers in 1833 London by becoming the first Black man to play Othello on a major English stage.
Read MoreA playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter.
Read MoreCan rivaling sisters Baneatta and Beverly bury their father without killing each other? This proves difficult when Beverly shows up at the chapel with her “blessings” on display.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre presents the first production of its 2024/25 Mainstage Season, “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,” based on the novel by Bram Stoker, written by Kate Hamill and directed by J. Daniel Herring.
Read MoreDr. Janet Loring, professor emeriti and a revered figure in the theatre and academic community, passed away on July 3, 2024, in Fresno. She was 98.
Read MoreThis season will see the final production from longtime faculty member Brad Myers and the debut of new faculty member Michelle Bellaver.
Read MoreWritten by Ariel Dorfman and directed by Thomas Whit-Eillis, the “Death and the Maiden” reader’s theatre presentation will be at 6 p.m. May 10 in Music 160.
Read MoreThe winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through what “Entertainment Weekly” called “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade,” “Spring Awakening” explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable.
Read MoreFresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences will present the free public performances of “Nice & Slow” by Lojo Simon and directed by Nicola Olsen.
Read More“Ultimately, theatre can be an instrument of change, and I aspire to help bring about that change.”
Read More“Sanctuary City” promises to captivate audiences with its raw emotion, thought-provoking themes and unique form of storytelling. The production sheds light on the human side of the immigration debate, inviting audiences to empathize with characters whose lives are often overlooked or marginalized.
Read MoreIn the heart of Fresno State’s campus, amidst the bustling energy of student life, two dynamic ensembles stand as beacons of artistic innovation and expression: the Experimental Theatre Company (ETC) and University Dance Theatre (UDT).
Read MoreEmbark on a captivating and reflective evening of dance with the Contemporary Dance Ensemble under the artistic direction of Kenneth Balint.
Read MoreFresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Department of English’s MFA Creative Writing Program, presents “Lit Night” at the Dec. 5 performance of “Seminar.”
Read MoreTheresa Rebeck’s “Seminar” is a brilliant examination of the creative process and the complex interplay of art and ego.
Read MoreA story of loss, love and redemption, Turner’s new comedy follows the world’s loneliest (and wittiest) single woman, Carlo, as she crashes her ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man.
Read MoreIn 1987, Fresno State student Danny Swartz departed for London. It was only his second trip on a plane — the first had been a short hop from Fresno to San Francisco — and his first time out of the country. Up until that point, he had only left the state a couple of times to go to Reno and Las Vegas. Now he would be spending his spring semester in London as part of the Fresno State London Program.
Read MoreThe College of Arts and Humanities is excited to welcome Kathy Luo to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Luo is a local Dance Artist and Choreographer and will be teaching Modern Dance, Pilates, and University Dance Theatre.
Read MoreThis thought-provoking play delves into the complexities of identity, race, and family, offering audiences a powerful and emotional exploration of contemporary societal issues.
Read MoreWe are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.
Read MoreFresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance takes pride in its talented and dedicated students, who consistently demonstrate exceptional skills and passion for their craft. These graduates are eager to continue their artistic development and expand their knowledge through advanced studies.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre presents the final production of the 2022-2023 Mainstage season, “The Pillowman” written by Martin McDonagh and directed by J. Daniel Herring.
Read MoreWe are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.
Read More“As I enter the entertainment industry as an early career professional, I am committed to emphasizing diversity and inclusion in my work. I strive to be a voice to move the entertainment industry forward to include the perspectives and stories of many.”
Read MoreFresno State University Theatre is pleased to announce the 2023/24 Mainstage Season featuring the annual Contemporary Dance Ensemble Concert, four Fresno premieres and a fully staged musical.
Read MoreThe Arts and Humanities Showcase offers a unique opportunity, through various performances, exhibits, lectures and workshops, to immerse yourself in the creativity and cultural diversity of Fresno State’s talented students.
Read MoreTen explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. “Men on Boats” is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition where a one-armed captain and an insane yet loyal crew set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre and The Contemporary Dance Ensemble will present its spring dance concert, “Connections: 2023.”
Read More“The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth.
Read MorePerformances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 17-19 and 2 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Lab School 101 Theatre.
Read More“Fresno State taught me how to fight to be seen in a predominantly white, male industry and not take for granted the professors and friends who rooted for me,” says Macedo.
Read MoreSuccessful romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home.
Read MoreAfter suffering a major loss on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment.
Read MoreWe are excited to welcome Nicola Olsen as she joins the Department of Theatre and Dance as Assistant Professor of Piano. She teaches Drama 137 Creative Dramatics, Drama 136(S) Puppetry, Drama 138A Children’s Theatre and Drama 138B Children’s Theatre.
Read MoreThe acclaimed and influential musical makes its Fresno State University Theatre debut on May 6th. Under the direction of J. Daniel Herring, the production features a cast of 20 Fresno State students, alumni, and community members.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Dance Theatre (UDT) will present “We Are,” a student-produced and choreographed dance concert under the artistic direction of Alyssa Garvin.
Read MoreThe 2022/23 Fresno State University Theatre season features a diverse range of comedic, dramatic, classic, and inventive works.
Read MoreFresno State’s Experimental Theatre Company presents “Mad Gravity” written by William Missouri Downs and directed by Fresno State student, Krishan Joshi.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre presents its fifth in-person production of the 2021 – 2022 Mainstage season, “Electricidad,” written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz. The production is a Fresno premiere.
Read MoreMeet the 2022 College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Medalists and Students of Distinction.
Read MoreA festive display of artistic expression and humanistic discipline culminating in a celebration of student excellence.
Read More“This is what I pursue: storytelling through design. Currently, I am applying to production design internships, intending to later pursue a master’s degree with the goal of becoming a production designer and arts educator.”
Read MoreExperience six new entertaining and thought-provoking dance works at the Contemporary Dance Ensemble’s spring concert, “Not What It Seems.” The show represents the artistic work of four choreographers, twelve talented dancers and numerous behind-the-scenes artistic collaborators.
Read More“Wilderness” is a pulsating documentary theatre piece that speaks to our collective search for connection and hope as families survive the extraordinary pressures and complexities that accompany coming of age in 21st-century America.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Dance Theatre (UDT) will present “From the Top,” a student-produced and choreographed dance concert, under the artistic direction of Kenneth Balint. Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 18–20, 2021 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Lab School 101 Theatre.
Read MoreFresno State’s Experimental Theatre Company presents its first in-person performance since the Fall of 2019; “10-Minute Originals” features four short plays written and directed by Fresno State students and alumni.
Read MoreTheatre is a unique art form in that it only exists at the moment it is being created. No other art form relies so heavily on the audience. A single person or multiple people can view paintings, but the impact of the piece remains the same because it is a tangible art piece.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre will present “This Is Our Youth,” its second in-person production of the 2021-22 Mainstage season.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre will presents its first in-person production of the 2021-22 Mainstage season with “Man of God,” written by Anna Ouyang Moench and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. It is the first University Theatre production written by an Asian American playwright for an entirely Asian American cast.
Read MoreThe season offers a diverse range of work from seasoned playwrights and young, up-and-coming playwrights.
Read MoreThe winners of all eight regional festivals typically travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Festival at the Kennedy Center. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the festival had to be postponed.
Read More“Emerging from this pandemic, it just felt right to me to present a bit of fun layered with some serious notes, but not too serious.” ~ J Daniel Herring.
Read MoreBy summer, it was clear that the 2020-21 season would be anything but typical.
Read More“The Agony of Ecstasy” is a compilation of four short plays exploring the performative aspects of gender norms and the power struggle at the heart of human relationships.
Read MoreThe Experimental Theatre Company (ETC) is pleased to present “Shelter-in-Plays: Part Two,” the second installment of original virtual plays. Part two is entirely written, directed, produced, and performed by Fresno State students and will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, on the official University Theatre YouTube channel and continue indefinitely.
Read More“Theatre has always captivated me in the way it holds up a mirror to society and tells the stories of the people within it.” ~ Teya Juarez
Read MoreThe production, which was filmed in the John Wright Theatre, will stream online at 7:30 p.m. March 12–13 and March 16–20, and 2 p.m. March 14.
Read MoreRoy Christopher, a Fresno State alumnus and 10-time Emmy-winning production designer and art director, died of natural causes on Feb. 2 at his home in West Hollywood. He was 85. His credits include decades of work on Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy award broadcasts.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre will present its third virtual production of the 2020-21 mainstage season, “To Thine Own Self Be True: Gender, Sexuality and the Bard,” written by William Shakespeare, conceived and directed by Brad Myers.
Read MoreTheatre students and recent alumni from Fresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance and creative writing students from the Department of English will headline two shows at the 2021 Rogue Festival, happening virtually March 5 through 14.
Read MoreThe productions were to be developed, rehearsed, and produced entirely over Zoom. No face-to-face meetings were ever held while these productions were in development.
Read MoreFresno State University Theatre is pleased to announce the second virtual production of our 2020 -2021 mainstage season, “Detroit ‘67” online Dec. 4 – 12
Read More“Darkside” is the Department of Theatre and Dance’s first attempt at producing virtual theatre. Director Kathleen McKinley has sought out the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism’s video expertise, and specifically Profesor Candace Egan, to turn this “virtual multimedia theatre experience” into a reality.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Theatre will present its first virtual production of the 2020-21 mainstage season with “Darkside,” written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Kathleen McKinley. The production, filmed in the John Wright Theatre in conjunction with the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism, will be presented online at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 10-14, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8.
Read MoreThe Fresno State University Theatre says they will hold auditions for Fall 2020 productions virtually. Auditioning actors should prepare two audition videos and submit them with the online audition form between August 12 and August 18. Zoom callbacks will be held on Aug. 19 and 20. Video audition requirements and audition information for each production […]
Read More“When I got cast, I immediately called my dad and I said, ‘Dad, I’m a little brown girl playing a little brown girl!’”
Read MoreWhile the method of presentation is yet to be determined, the Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to be able to offer a diverse lineup of theatrical work in these challenging times. As more decisions for the upcoming academic school year are made, we will solidify the method in which this season will be […]
Read MoreWe want to be the first to congratulate you on your achievements. The College’s faculty and staff join us in applauding you.
Read MoreThe Fresno State Theatre and Dance Department had a particularly strong showing in what many consider the highlight of the festival, the Irene Ryan Acting Competition.
Read More“I was immersed every day in the visual and performing arts, supporting the importance of art and creativity.”
Read MoreWe regret to announce that the Arts in Motion, scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Concert Hall has been canceled. All public events in the Arts in Motion Showcase scheduled for March 22-28 have also been canceled.
Read MoreAn evening of contemporary dance steeped in passionate expression, self-reflection, and pathos in motion.
Read MoreShakespeare’s sparkling comedy of betrayal, courtship, lust, and mistaken identity. Updated to a modern time-period, old and young flee an erratic tyrant to dwell as happy exiles amid the welcoming “country copulatives” of a secluded forest.
Read MoreFresno State’s University Dance Theatre is proud to present “On the Edge” their student-created dance performance. “On the Edge” will run November 21 – 23 in the Lab School 101 Theatre on the campus of Fresno State.
Read More“It’s an amazing learning experience,” said Mel Johnson. “The difference between just coming up with a design for a class and actually designing for a show is huge.
Read More“Cow.” “Slob.” “Pig.” How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love?
Read MoreSeparated from his mother, a young refugee called “Anon” journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family.
Read MoreBattling a rare childhood brain cancer at a young age, DiMino went through several years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was told that he would lose various cognitive, motor, and physical abilities. The long-lasting effects would prevent him from many activities. However, at age seven when he had beaten cancer, he learned to adapt.
Read MoreCongratulations to graduate Mason Lamb and undergraduate Primavera Leal Martinez for earning the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Medal award!
Read MoreUniversity Theatre will present their first-ever African-American musical “Carmen Jones” on May 3 – 11 in the John Wright Theatre. This Fresno premiere is directed by Professor Thomas-Whit Ellis and will feature an all African-American cast.
Read More“The Super Cilantro Girl: Three Stories of Juan Felipe Herrera” revolves around the lives of a family of migrant workers: twelve-year-old Esmeralda, her younger brother Juanito, Papi, and Mamá. After years on the road, full of hard work and adventures, the family can finally settle down.
Read MoreThe dances range from contemporary, modern, lyrical, and hip hop and the performances are entirely student-created; the dancers, the choreographers, and production designers are all Fresno State students.
Read MoreThe community is invited to celebrate the College of Arts and Humanities’ top students with an afternoon of performances and recognition on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Fresno State Concert Hall. The event will be followed by a reception in the Phebe Conley Gallery.
Read MoreEven though everybody on the planet is just a text away, getting your message across has never been more complicated.
Read MoreWhen murder roars through the town, Ruth Hoch begins her own quest to find truth and honesty amid small town jealousies, religion, greed, and lies.
Read MoreFor Theatre Arts student Lia Christine Dewey, the accolades keep coming as her final semester at Fresno State nears completion.
Read More“So many striking meaningful images filled the stage, images that will stay with me for a while”
Read MoreIn her first attempt writing as a theatre critic, Theatre Arts student Lia Dewey found herself at the top of the region and among four finalists who will compete at the national level at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Read More“Moving Through the Static” is under the artistic direction of Kenneth Balint and runs February 15 – 23, 2019 in the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts building on the campus of Fresno State.
Read MoreKate McKnight has spent her entire life on the Fresno State campus, growing up with an English professor father then becoming a student, instructor, University High teacher, and an Advisory Board member for the College.
Read MoreBefore ever setting foot on the Save Mart Center stage for her graduation, Maggie Srmayan had her first professional job lined-up. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree on Friday afternoon, she packed her car and headed down to Los Angeles to start work on a short film that Monday morning.
Read MoreWith 80 percent of the alum continuing to live in the Central Valley, the College of Arts and Humanities powers the local economy and touches every corner of life in our community.
Read MoreThe opera that Fresno State commissioned, workshopped and performed in 2016 titled “Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena” has now been seen by over 15,000 people across the country, according to Dr. Anthony Radford, Fresno State professor of voice and opera. “This holiday season it was performed for the first time at Coker College […]
Read More“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”, was first produced in 2016 in a Rolling World Premiere. “Miss Bennet” is a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, set in 1815, two years after the novel ends. The play continues the story of the Bennet sisters, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre is pleased to announce the newest addition to our 2018/2019 Mainstage Season, “Carmen Jones” by Oscar Hammerstein II, based on Meilhac and Halevy’s adaption of Prosper Merimee’s “Carmen”, Music by Geroges Bizet, and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. The production will run from May 3-11, 2019 in the John Wright Theatre located in the […]
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